Short Stories

Rent Free

Angelo

"Come on baby." I softly shook my daughter awake. "We gotta go to school baby."

She groaned and mumbled softly. I laughed and kept shaking her softly.

"Remember your project." I teased her.

That made her open her eyes finally. She got this new teacher that's always doing little projects with them and today Rein is helping them. She's been good all week and was asked to be in charge of mixing the ingredients. It's all she's been talking about.

"Is mommy getting me today?" She yawned and sat up in her bed.

"I hope so." She frowned at me. She wanted to spend the weekend with me but her mom is in town and is supposed to be getting her tonight. Rein is used to her mom bailing out at this point so she likes to pout whenever I bring her up.

"Keep that look on and yo' face gon' get stuck." I stuck my tongue out at her. She giggled immediately, changing her sour look.

We both went to the bathroom and started getting ready. Rein is really advanced because of my momma. She lived with her for a few years while I was locked up and trying to get it together. Rein's mom is a little immature but I ain't no better. We had her young on some dumb shit and at one point I realized one of us had to step up. I have primary care over Rein but my mom helps a lot. Brittney, my ex, gets Rein whenever she can. It's been difficult since we moved to Michigan but this week Brittney is in town and she promised she would get Rein.

"Daddy should I wear my blue dress or green one?" Rein yelled out. I hurried and put on my shirt before going to her room.

"Shit, uh, blue but we can put your green stockings and green undershirt on." I said taking the items out. I helped her quickly before going to finish getting ready.

I put on my belt and jacket with my identification. I slipped on my black forces and sprayed cologne on. I then went to the kitchen and hurried to pack her small lunch. Her school cooks so I only provide snacks for her mostly. I also put us on a bagel while I packed my bag.

Finally I got Rein to school and myself to my "school" or that's what I tell Rein it is. I really go to this community service program thing some days and other days I go to work. I call it school so Rein doesn't think her daddy is just some hooligan. I mean I am, but she doesn't have to know that shit. Plus I stopped. I'm just still in trouble a little bit.

I parked my car and sparked up before stepping out. My cousin ran up to me and dapped me.

"What up nigga?" He asked, taking the blunt.

"Nothing much." I looked at him.

"Aye why my friend said he'll get his babymomma to come dance for the party." He smiled.

"That fat bitch he be with?" I asked.

"She fine though."

"Yeah cause ya'll like that. Plus nigga it's a big house party shouldn't be no bitches stripping no way." I shook my head. I'm throwing a party at this Airbnb he owns and he's trying to ruin my shit.

"I'm trying to turn yo shit up." I glared and waved him off. I started looking around for somebody in particular. I finally seen my target and quickly put the blunt out.

"Artiepoo." I called out. He turned around with a straight face before he kept walking. "Damn what I do papi?"

"You want a full list of just the immediate stuff?" He asked.

"I'm sorry if it helps. Aye I ain't cool with them niggas no more. You can't keep holding that shit against me." I grabbed his arm. Arturo quickly snatched it away.